KUCHING, April 7: Armed forces in Sarawak are encouraged to organise open days to attract more youngsters to join them.
Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said by organising open days, the armed forces would not only show the public what they do, but also would attract youngsters to join the forces as they would need more good young recruits to join the forces.
“We want to thank all of these armed forces who have been serving and protecting our country, and we want the younger generation to interact with them, know what they are doing and in the future join the services — be it the Navy, the Army, the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), and the health services to name a few.
“I encourage more interaction like this so that the public can view them doing a fantastic job of protecting Malaysia and Sarawak, not only in times of war but also during peaceful times,” he told reporters after officiating at the Malaysian Royal Navy’s KD Sri Indera Sakti Open Day at the Pending Port here this afternoon.
Dr Sim said he was informed that as of noon, the Open Day had received some 4,000 visitors and was expecting some 15,000 by the end of the day.
He said he was happy with the overwhelming response from the public who came to visit the Navy’s open day, reiterating that other armed forces shouls do the same often.
Meanwhile, KD Sri Indera Sakti’s commanding officer Commander Mohamad Sham Saimon said the ship was one of the largest vessels in the Malaysian Royal Navy and is a multi purpose command and support vessel.
“It is about 100 metres in length and 30 metres wide, and weighs about 4,450 tonnes,” he said.
Commander Mohamad Sham hoped that young visitors would show interest in joining not only the Navy but also other armed forces as well, and parents coming will encourage their children to join. — DayakDaily
